Torrential rain has left parts of Sabah’s east coast and interior underwater, forcing families from their homes and cutting off a major road linking Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu.
The worst-hit areas include Kota Marudu and Tongod, where more than 140 people have been evacuated to relief centres.
In Kota Marudu, authorities moved 127 residents to SK Ranau and SMK Bengkongan after overnight downpours turned villages into flood zones. Rescue teams had to wade through rising waters in Kampung Pancur, using boats to pull families from their homes in a five-hour operation.
In Tongod, another 13 households were forced to flee as floodwaters surged through their communities. The evacuees are now sheltering at SK Entilibon, where emergency personnel are keeping a close watch on conditions.
But for some, the crisis is far from over.
In Beluran, the Telupid-Sandakan road near Kilometer 70 at the Sapi Nangoh roundabout is now completely submerged, effectively severing one of the most critical transport routes in Sabah. With no safe detours, travel between Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu has become nearly impossible.
“The water level keeps rising. Right now, it’s too dangerous for any vehicle to pass,” said Beluran Fire and Rescue Station chief Edoen Macheal, urging motorists to stay away.
Further south, in Lahad Datu, floodwaters swallowed entire sections of Sapagaya, Tamoi Baru, and Tamoi Lama, leaving roads submerged and homes partially underwater. In Kinabatangan, the situation is worsening, with Kampung Kasih Sayang, Kampung Paris Satu, and Kampung Paris Tiga among the worst-affected areas.
The crisis is being driven by two overflowing rivers—Sungai Bandau and Sungai Bongon—both in Kota Marudu. Authorities monitoring the water levels say Sungai Bandau has climbed to 4.93 meters, inching dangerously close to its 5.90-meter warning level. Meanwhile, Sungai Bongon has already surpassed its alert threshold, reaching 7.14 meters overnight.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department has identified 799 flood-prone areas and remains on high alert. Department director Zainal Madasin said his teams are fully mobilised but urged residents to evacuate before conditions worsen.
“People need to act fast. If the water is rising, don’t wait,” he said.
Authorities expect the rain to continue and warn that the situation could deteriorate further. Those living in low-lying areas are urged to leave while they still can. – January 29, 2025
